Lupe's "Around My Way" vs Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "(T.R.O.Y)

[DanWS]

So I know Pete Rock acted stupid about this on Twitter and all, but judging both songs which do you think is honestly better? When "Around My Way" first came out I was sure they'd made the beat better and thought Lupe's obvious superior rhyming skills elevated the song as a whole. But I had a friend who loved the original too much to give Lupe's a chance and we ended up kinda having an argument about it. Anyway, I've been listening to Pete Rock & CL Smooth's version a lot this past week and now I'm kinda leaning towards it because the saxaphone sounds nicer to my ears, plus I appreciate the song's message more now after listening to it properly. I also like that the chorus is just the sax on it's own.

So which one do you think is better?

Lupe - "Around My Way"


Pete Rock & CL Smooth

[Cube23]

If anyone says Lupe's version, we should all laugh in their face. TROY is a top ten hip-hop song on every level. Around My Way is forgetful.

[Slim Fiasco]

TROY is obviously the classic song, and with its status, there's no way I can say that Lupe did a better job, especially since the former is way more original due to using that sample first. However, on a personal level, I like Around My Way more since Lupe is one of my favorite MCs and he's better than Cl Smooth.

[Cube23]

TROY is obviously the classic song, and with its status, there's no way I can say that Lupe did a better job, especially since the former is way more original due to using that sample first. However, on a personal level, I like Around My Way more since Lupe is one of my favorite MCs and he's better than Cl Smooth.

But he's really not.. nor is he even close to the legendary CL Smooth.

[Slim Fiasco]

TROY is obviously the classic song, and with its status, there's no way I can say that Lupe did a better job, especially since the former is way more original due to using that sample first. However, on a personal level, I like Around My Way more since Lupe is one of my favorite MCs and he's better than Cl Smooth.

But he's really not.. nor is he even close to the legendary CL Smooth.

http://rapgenius.com/Lupe-fiasco-failure-lyrics

[Cube23]

TROY is obviously the classic song, and with its status, there's no way I can say that Lupe did a better job, especially since the former is way more original due to using that sample first. However, on a personal level, I like Around My Way more since Lupe is one of my favorite MCs and he's better than Cl Smooth.

But he's really not.. nor is he even close to the legendary CL Smooth.

http://rapgenius.com/Lupe-fiasco-failure-lyrics

That's fine. With your username, I'd highly expect such a response. I've heard every Lupe song and I've heard ever song with CL that I could get my hands on.. and there's a reason his music is so old and still listened to.

[WakeUpShow]

Lupe's lyrics have so much depth and double meaning. It's Obvious to me.

[Slim Fiasco]

Yeah man, I mean, I like CL as well, but Lupe is better in every way possible. From being complex, and excelling with figures of speech, to touching a lot of different subjects and conveying messages, to having a more versatile flow, and better discography. He has so many creative songs, has been playing with concepts, creating stories, a ridiculous range of references, and great songwriting skills. I see no competition.